Just like military personnel, nature enthusiasts (campers, hikers, hunters) who often explore wild areas, should always have one thing with them – a suitable source of light. Not only it is necessary to set a tent or illuminate the surroundings or path once the sun sets down, but it can also serve to search areas in case someone or something gets lost.
Now, while most campers or hikers will carry a torchlight, it might not be enough to illuminate a wide area with their beam. It’s a good idea to always have a source of light that is strong enough and can enlighten at least fifty metres in the direction you position it. A search and rescue torch may be one of the most useful things on your adventure, so if you’re considering getting one, here’s what you need to know.
What are Searchlights?
Search lights are strong lighting gear that uses a series of reflectors to make a strong beam of light that will be precisely oriented in any direction. It was developed in the late 19th century and since was used for various military operations, advertising and entertainment endeavours. In the past, it was a stationary model, but today these lights are designed with several swivel mechanisms that will help you take it anywhere you go. Nowadays these torches are handheld and much lighter, allowing you to carry them anywhere.
Are Searchlights More Powerful than a Simple Flashlight?
The search and rescue torch has a much more powerful beam that is made by the arrangement of reflectors and combined with a power source. The light is a series of parallel rays that are focused in the direction you need it. When the searchlight was developed in 19th century for use in wartime, the initial idea was making a strong beam light that will spot small torpedo boats that could endanger larger battleships and get away undetected.
Over time, these searchlights became standard equipment for any marine vessel, since they were strong enough to help for sailing during fog. As technology progressed, these torches became waterproof and easy to use underwater. Nowadays many people such as hunters and campers use these torches thanks to their strong beam which can be of great help in nature.
What to Consider
What Will You Light Up?
It’s important to determine what you will light up with the searchlight. If you’re a camper, hiker, hunter, or simply need one to carry in your car, it’s important to know that these torches can enlighten anything between 30 metres to 5 kilometres. This is why you should determine what will you light up because if you’re a hiker who needs a model that can enlight 30-40 metres in the dark, then you certainly don’t need the strongest beam.
Flashlight Performance
Light Output
The light output measures in lumens and stands for the intensity of the light that comes out of the flashlight when it’s set on its brightest setting, especially when powered by new batteries. The light output varies from 20 lumens (ideal for reading a book) to a terrain-scorching 3500 lumens.
Beam Distance
The beam distance measures in meters and indicates how far the light will shine before the brightness drops to the equivalent of the light from a full moon. Full moon illumination is calculated sufficient for safe and careful travel outdoors.
Run Time
Torches’ run time measures in hours. In other words, it refers to how long the light output will need to drop to 10% while using new batteries, rounded to the nearest quarter-hour. Some models’ run time gradually decreases over time or may stay mostly constant and then suddenly drop.
Should You Choose a Waterproof Searchlight?
This again depends on the types of activities you will do and whether you’re frequently going to use the torch during rain. Campers, hunters, military personnel and even hikers are recommended to invest in a waterproof searchlight because this way they can be sure that the torch won’t get damaged from the rain or snow. In case you have to search for things or people who have submerged in a body of water, such a torch will be of great help.
Why Invest in LED Searchlights?
In the past, searchlights were made with halogen bulbs that were ranging up to 3000 watts. Later as LED took over, the design of these torches changed and they are mainly made with LED lights. The beam range of LED searchlights varies and depends on several factors including the light source, wattage and design of the searchlight. Some long-range searchlights may have a narrow light bundle. They can illuminate up to 9 kilometres (which can be achieved if using a 2000W model).
Why LED Is Better
You can extract much more light than a single light source, which makes it a great investment. Also, you can carry only one searchlight and get its best in any given situation. LED are known to have many advantages such as low energy consumption, durability, no bulb replacement, less heat production and a clear and diverse colour spectrum.
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